Nathan Jones chose to replace his starting goalkeeper for Charlton’s opening encounter, but he insisted that Harry Isted’s inclusion was no disrespect to Ashley Maynard-Brewer.
The new Addicks boss previously worked with Isted at Luton Town.
Despite Isted’s return to the starting lineup, the South London club’s drop concerns grew with today’s 2-0 defeat at Reading, with Femi Azeez scoring both goals for the hosts.
When asked why he switched stoppers, Jones replied, “Probably because I knew him (Isted) a little better. I’ve worked with Harry for three or four years, so I know him.
“Ashley has done well. He’s probably one of the best for saves. I just felt Harry knows the starting positions I ask for and the proactivity that I need.
“He’s just a little bit more up to speed. Nothing on Ashley because I think he’s been good. I don’t think he has made many errors at all, he’s made saves. It’s just sometimes you go with a bit of familiarity.
“Harry was excellent.”
Asked if he still enjoyed his first match back as manager after a year out of the game following his dismissal by Southampton, Jones replied: “Oh, absolutely.
“You don’t enjoy the result but what you have to do is be philosophical about it. You can’t be down or ranting and raving constantly – because that doesn’t help those (players) in there.
“What we need to do is learn quickly and reflect on what we did well and where we can improve. We will improve, that is the thing.
Charlton will face Lincoln City at home on Tuesday. The Addicks have not won in 13 matches and are currently 20th in the table.
“They are all massive games now,” Jones added. “But it’s one at The Valley, and we want to perform well.
“I am confident that we will perform better than we did today, both in and out of possession.
“We have to take a lot of the positives from today and just try and be better on every little level that we can.”
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